The Metropolitan Police commander in charge of policing the London Olympic torch procession defended the role of Chinese security guards branded as “thugs” by Lord Coe.

Commander Robert Broadhurst said that there had been several intimations from the Chinese authorities that the London leg of the Olympic torch relay would have been switched to another capital if Britain had banned the “torch attendants”.

He admitted to MPs yesterday that Scotland Yard had not anticipated the torch coming under attack from the moment it left Wembley stadium until it finished the journey 31 miles later in Greenwich.

Commander Broadhurst also disclosed to MPs that the Chinese Embassy had raised concerns about “free protests” on the streets, that in the days preceding the relay the Chinese Ambassador had serious concerns about her personal safety and that the police were concerned about the length of the relay.

He told MPs on the Commons Home Affairs select committee: “It was a rolling mêlée for 31 miles. It was undignified. Officers were attacked, bottles and cans were thrown at us along a large part of the route.”

Faced with allegations that the Chinese security guards pushed, shoved and punched protesters, Mr Broadhurst said it was “a natural reaction” by people who thought their “hugely significant” torch was in peril, and who were in danger of losing face. He said that 2,060 police were involved in protecting the torch at a cost of £746,005.

He suggested that there needed to be serious talks about whether a worldwide relay should take place when Britain hosts the Olympics in 2012. Mr Broadhurst also disclosed that the Chinese Embassy had been concerned that Britain was to allow “free protest” but that the police had made it quite clear that “on the streets of London, that is accepted”.

Police had negotiated with the Chinese through the Greater London Authority and the Chinese had “tried to stamp their authority”, but the Metropolitan Police had reminded them in “no uncertain terms” who was in charge of the operation.

Mr Broadhurst said that there had been disorder during the relay but it involved British police as well as the Chinese. He said six complaints were received, three of which had been resolved. There had been no formal complaint from Lord Coe, who said he had been pushed and shoved by the Chinese guards.

He added that a decision had yet to be taken on whether the torch would return to London to mark the Paralympics.